Means for distributing fluid in accurately measured quantities



L. l. YEOMANS Dec. 5, 1944.

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Dec. 5, 1944. YEOMANS 2,364,264

MEANS FOR DISTRIBUTING FLUID IN ACCURATELY MEASURED QUANTITIES- Filed Sept. 15,1939 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Z OQTTO m f Patented Dec. 5, 1944 MEANS FOR DISTRIBUTING FLUID IN ACCURATELY MEASURED QUANTITIES Lucien I. Yeomans, Chicago, Ill.

Application September 15, 1939, Serial No. 295,030

5 Claims.

The invention relates generally to means for distributing fluid in accurately measured quantitles and has as its general aim the provision of a new and improved means of this nature for effecting such distribution uniformly over a large area. This application is a continuation in part of my copending application Serial No. 227,774, filed August 31, 1938, which became Patent Number 2,290,790.

Many industries today use manufacturing processes or practices in which it is important to effeet a uniform distribution of fluid over a large area while controlling with a high degree of accuracy the quantity of fluid distributed per unit of area. For example, the addition of water to the cloth on cloth shrinking machines, or the application of water to the repellent rolls of olfset printing presses,,should be uniform and accurate as to the quantity of water added. Other examples are in the application of hot water or other fluids to sheets of cloth, paper, metal or the like ahead of a roller, distributor or wiper; in the feeding of drops of oil for the lubrication of extensive machinery; in the application of identifying drops of paint to lumps of coal, or other bulk materials, and in the addition to fluid to material contained in a mixing machine as in the addition of water, oil, molasses, or the like, to sand mixtures, in foundry core-sand mixers.

Another object of the invention is to provide novel means for distributing fluid material in drops of uniform size over material which is moving relatively thereto at a uniformly maintained rate of distribution.

Another objectof the invention is to provide a new and improved apparatus for uniformly distributing fluid at a constant but adjustably variable rate and from which the fluid is discharged in a plurality of drop-like particles, each of which contains the same quantity of fluid.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of a new and improved apparatus of this nature which includes a fluid circulatory and distributing system having means for discharging d op-like particles of uniform size at a predetermined rate as determined by the speed of movement of two relatively movable discharge controlling members, the quantity of fluid in the particles being determined and maintained uniform by the pressure with which the fluid is delivered for distribution.

Another object of the invention is to provide novel means for distributing fluid in finel divided form in accurately measured quantities and at a uniform rate.

In conjunction with the foregoing, an object is to provide new and improved means for distributing fluid which embodies means for discharging drop of such fluid of uniform size and at a constant rate, and means for breaking such drops into fine particles for distribution over a selected area.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent in the following description and from the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a side elevational view on areduced scale of apparatus embodying the features of the invention, the fluid flow system being illustrated somewhat diagrammatically.

Fig. 2 is a view on an enlarged scale taken partially in longitudinal axial section through the distributor mechanism.

Fig. 3 is a detail view looking toward the drop discharging outlets or ports and is taken .as indicated by the lines 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged view showing in axial section a modified form of driving means.

Fig.5 is a fragmentary cross sectional view through said mechanism taken approximately along the line 55 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary end elevation of the modified form of driving means. a

While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, I

have shown in the drawings and will herein describe in detail the preferred embodiment, but it is to be understood that I do not thereby intend to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but intend to cover all modifications and alternative constructions falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

The apparatus herein disclosed embodies gen crally a combination of machine elements which includes means for effecting the distribution of a large number of drop-like particles of fluid material (for convenience hereinafter termed drops") in controlled and uniform quantity maintained by means of the pressure on the fluid at the point of distribution as represented by one or more apertures of predetermined area, the total quantity of fluid distributed and the rate of distribution being determined by means con-- trolling the duration of the periods during which distribution occurs. The rate of distribution is correlated with the rate of movement, relative to the distributing mechanism, of the material over which the drops are being distributed to achieve a desired concentration of drops over a unit area of the material. Where it is desirable to distribute the fluid in particles so fine as to be unmeasurable, means may be provided for breaking the measured and uniform drops into small particle size and discharging such particles against the material to be treated.

Merely for purposes ofillustration, an embodiment of the invention has been shown in apparatus which is adapted for association with an endless material conveyer l having stationary supporting means I l forming a part of th conveyer frame or parts associated therewith. It should be understood, however, that the conveyer is representative of any suitable means for effecting relative movement at a substantially constant rate between material to be treated and the distributing mechanism.

The distributing mechanism may best be described with reference to Fig.2. A hollow tube l2 of substantial diameter and length is supported at each end in stationary relationto the conveyer to extend transversely thereof. In this instance, end supports for the tube are in the form of brackets l3 and l3 having circular bosses H to which the ends of the tube l2 are sealed, as by a brazing or welding operation. The brackets extend radially from the bosses l4 and have peripheral extensions l5 through which the brackets may be suitably secured to such stationary supporting means II as the conveyer frame. In this instance, the parts are Welded together and the brackets rest on the supporting means. However, the extensions permit the brackets to be suspended from suitable hangers if that arrangement is more convenient. Apertures l6 (see Figs. 3 and 5) are formed in the surface of the tube l2 directly opposite to the conveyer and preferably are arranged to extend longitudinally of the tube in one or more sets of alined apertures. The bosses l4 define openings in the brackets through which the interior of the tube I2 is accessible.

Adjustably secured to the brackets l3 and l3 are bearing members l1, l1 having axially concentric elongated bearings l8 and radial flanges l3 through which the bearings are mounted on the brackets I3, I3 Thus the flange 19 of the bearing I1 is, as shown, tapped at a plurality of points to receive the ends of screws 20 extending through oversized apertures 2i in the bracket l3. In the connection at the opposite end of the tube the relationship is reversed, the flange l9 being slotted and the bracket l3 tapped to receive screws 20. The bearings l8 are dimensioned to extend in part into the openings defined by the bosses l4 and, in the present instance, the ends of the tube I2 and the bearings are of substantially less diameter than the encircling parts. Preferably, the bearings are provided with such means as bronze sleeves 22 to receive a drive shaft 23 of sufllcient length to extend through and outwardly beyond the ends of the bearings. Oil seals 24, or the like, of conventional form may also be interposed between the shaft and the bearings.

The bearing member I! at the right-hand side of the apparatus as illustrated includes an outwardly extending, axially concentric wall 25 which, at its outer end, is rigidly connected with a housing 26 for a speed reduction gear mechanism of suitable type. This mechanism is preferably part of a unit that includes a driving motor 21 (Fig, 1). Within the space defined by the wall 25, a radially flanged collar 28 is rigidly secured, as by a pin 29, to the end of the shaft 23. Formed peripherally in the flange of the collar are a pair of opposed circumferentially elongated recesses 30, each of which extends through an arc of approximately 90. The driven shaft 3| from the speed reduction gear mechanism is arranged to extend to a point adjacent to the shaft 23 and carries at its end a flanged collar 32 which is pinned, as at 33, to the shaft 3| and carries a pair of studs 34 arranged to extend into the recesses in the flanged collar 28. This arrangement provides a lost motion driving connection to the shaft 23. At its opposite end, beyond the bearing member ll, the shaft 23- carries a hand wheel 35 by means of which the shaft may be rocked independently of the driving connection. The purpose of this arrangement will be hereinafter more fully described.

The shaft 23 has a collar 36 pinned, as at 31, thereto adjacent to the inner end of the bearing l8 on the right-hand bearing member l1. Adjacent to the inner face of the collar 36, and to the inner face of the bearing [8 on the left-hand bearing member H are sleeves 38, 38 mounted slidably and rotatably on the shaft 23. These sleeves 38, 38 have annular recesses 33 (see the right-hand sleeve 38 in Fig. 2) which face toward each other to receive the opposite ends of a tube 40. The sleeves and the ends of the tube are brazed or welded together, or otherwise permanently joined. A driving connection between the collar 36 and the adjacent sleeve 38, which is releasable by relative endwise movement, is afforded by means of diametrically opposite tongues 4| (see Figs. 2 and 4) on one member, in this instance the collar 36, engageable in complementary recesses 42 in the other member. If desired, sealing washers 43 may be interposed between the collar 36 and the adjacent bearing l8 and between the sleeve 38 and its associated bearing.

The tube is greater in diameter than the shaft 23 and provides internal support for a distributor roll 44. This roll is preferably formed of rubber or equivalent material vulcanized or suitably bonded to the tube 40 and is externally finished to have a uniform outer cylindrical surface; the diameter of which is less than the internal diameter of the tube l2. Peripherally, the distributor roll has a series of longitudinally extending recesses 45 therein, the number of which is determined by factors to be herinafter considered.

The recesses and the intervening peripheral portions of the distributor roll constitute respectively grooves and lands or ridges for coaction with the apertures I6 in the tube l2 intermittently to open and close said apertures in the rotation of the distributor roll. The roll, accordingly, is arranged to run in contact with the internal surface of that portion of the tube l2 in which the series of apertures 16 are located (see Fig. 5). The adjustment of the distributor roll to this relationship is permitted by the arrangement of the screws 20 and the oversized apertures 21, and accuracy of adjustment may be obtained by such means as a plurality of 0pposed set screws 46, carried by lugs 41 on the brackets I3, for adjustable engagement with the bearing members.

The distributor mechanism may be connected in any suitable type of flow system for delivering the treating fluid under a uniform but variably adjustable pressure. While this'pressure may be applied by gravity, it is preferred to create the pressure by a force pump, or the like, which may also be employed to maintain a circulating flow of fluid. Referring to the form of flow system diagrammatically illustrated in Fi 1, a supp y tank for fluid 48 has connected thereto a feed line 49 in which a force pump 56 is interposed. A return line to the supply tank communicates at a distance therefrom with the line 49, and the return line is controlled by a suitable valve 52. A pipe 53 is connected with the feed line 49 ahead of the valve 52 and also to a nipple 54 at one end of the distributor tube l2. A valve 55 controls the conduit 53 adjacent to its point of connection with the feed line 49, and beyond this valve is a second valve 56 located in the conduit 53 intermediate the ends of a by-pass line 51, both ends of which communicate with the conduit 53. The by-pass conduit includes an orifice or pressure reduction valve 58, and a pressure gauge 59 On the low pressure side of the valve 58. A conduit 60 controlled by a valve 6| communicates with the conduit 53 between the valves 55, 56 and leads to a source of flushing fluid, for example, a water main. Connected between the return line 5| and a nipple 62, located on the tube |2 at the end thereof opposite the nipple 54, is a line 63 controlled by a valve 64. At the same end of the tube is a nipple 65 communicating with a drain line 66 controlled by a valve 61.

In this circulatory system, the apparatus may be readily conditioned for various operative requirements by manipulation of the several valves. Prior to actual operation, a circulation to agitate the material in the supply tank is obtained by closing all of the valves except the valve 52, the pump being in operation. This causes material to be drawn from the tank 48 through feed line 49 and returned thereto through the line 5|, As a preliminary to distributing operation, a circulating flow is produced through the distributor mechanism by opening the valves 55, 56, 58 and 64, and closing the valves 52, 6| and 61. This flow system comprises feed line 49, conduit 53 and by-pass conduit 51, tube l2, line 63 and return line 5|. To operate, the valves 52 and 55 are open and the valves 6|, 56, 64 and 61 are closed, and the valve 58 1s opened and adjusted to produce a required operating pressure in the tube |2 as indicated by the gauge 59. The flow in this operative setting is from the tank 48 through feed line 49, part of. conduit 53, by-pass conduit 51 and pressure reduction valve 58, and tube I2 for distribution, the excess fluid being by-passed to thetank through the return line 5|. During this cycle, the distributor mechanism is in operation to drive the distributor roll 44 to effect a discharge of drops of fluid from the roll. Should it become necessary or desirable to interrupt drop distribution, the initial circulating flow may be reestablished by closing valves 55, 64 or the distributor roll driving motor 2! may be stopped and the roll shaft 23 manipulated by means of the hand wheel 35 to position one of the lands of the roll in closing relation to the apertures l6, thereby preventing further discharge of drops from the tube l2. Incidentally,- the distributor roll is adjusted to an aperture sealing position whenever the distributing mechanism is idle. If the interruption of operation is momentary, the setting of the system for operation need not be changed since the fluid will circulate to and from the tank through the lines 49 and 5|. For interruptions of longer duration, while the distributor roll is idle and in apertureclosing position, it will in many instances be advisable to open the valves 56 and 64 to include the tube |2 in'a circulatory line. When operation is to be discontinued, the system may first be washed out by closing valves and 64, while opening valves 52, 6|, 56, 58 and 61. During this setting, fluid circulates into and out of the supply tank 48 through lines 49, 5| and a flushing flow of water or other suitable fluid takes place through conduits 66 and 53, by-pass conduit 5i, tube l2 and drain line 66. During this operation, the valve 56 is preferably closed part of the time to insure a flow through by-pass conduit 51 and pressure reduction valve 58. To discontinue operation entirely, the pump 50 is stopped, the valve 6| is closed, and a pet cock 68 in the conduit 53 behind the valve 55 is opened to permit the washing fluid to drain from the system.

In order to obtain an accurate distribution of fluid, a number of operative factors should be taken into consideration. Since the present apparatus is eminently suitable as a means for applying drops of identifying color to such bulk materials as coal, this environment will be used as an example in the discussion of these factors. Thus, the conveyer |0 may represent the delivery boom which conveys lumps of coal, designated A (Fig. 1), distributed relatively evenly over the conveyer surface, to a disposal point at a known, uniform rate of speed. Usually, indicating color spots will be applied primarily to the better grades of coal in which the lumps are of substantially uniform size. The tube l2 of the distributor apparatus is mounted to extend across the width of the boom and in this environment will be spaced above the material on the boom such a distance as will produce a color spot of desired size by the spread of the drops when they strike the coal.

The number of lumps of coal which will pass the distributor apparatus in any given period of time may be calculated with a fair degree of accuracy and the number of drops for each lump of coal will be determined by the average size of the lumps. From these factors, the number of drops which must be discharged in any given period of time, for example in each minute, may be determined.

The size of the apertures IE will depend generally on the nature of the fluid to be distributed, a more viscous fluid usually requiring a larger aperture. Roughly stated, however, the diameter of the apertures should be sufficiently large to avoid undesirable restriction of the flow so that high fluid pressures would be required. At the same time, the diameter of the apertures should not be so great that the fluid would tend to flow therefrom in a free stream. The number of apertures may vary rather widely, and it is usually preferable to use a large number of closely spaced apertures where material in relatively small lumps is being treated. The number of drops discharged in any given period of time is determined by the number of aperture in the tube l2, the number of grooves 45 in the distributing roll 44, and the speed of rotation of the roll.

The quantity of material discharged in any drop is determined by the diameter of an aperture, the

pressure on the fluid at the aperture and the duration of the period the apertur is open. This last factor is in turn governed by the width of a recess 45, and the speed of rotation of the distributor roll. All of the structural factors above considered may be fixed for apparatus used in any particular environment and variable control of the operation of the device may be had merely by adjusting the fluid pressure in the system, which determines the quantity of material in any drop and by varying the speed of rotation of the distributor roll to discharge a desired number of drops from the mechanism per unit of time. While the term drop has been used herein to identify the form of the fluid ejected from the mechanism, this term should not be considered as a limitation only to a naturally formed drop, since in operation, and due to the discharge of the fluid under pressure, the so-called drops will in most instances be the equivalent of a cylindrical particle or slug of fluid of fixed diameter and of a length determined by the pressure on the fluid and the interval the apertures are open.

It may facilitate an understanding of these factors if a typical relationship in an apparatus for applying color spots to coal is set forth, the figures being approximate. A loading boom, having a 60" width is driven to deliver coal in the form of 2" cubes at the rate of one hundred and seventy tons per hour. At an approximation of fifty three hundred coal cubes per ton, and at an estimated allowance of five drops of one minim each per cube, the quantity of fluid in gallons per ton may be estimated, from which the number of gallons required per hour and the number of drops per minute may be derived. Under the conditions above mentioned, approximately seventy-five thousand drops per minute will be required. A suitable fluid for applying color spots to coal may be a water soluble paint having a viscosity not much greater than that of water. The distributor tube I2 is, as shown, provided with two series of apertures l6 which extend through the distance of 60" in accordance with the width of the conveyer. If the apertures are spaced one-half of an inch apart, adequate coverage will be obtained and the ratio between the number of apertures and the number of drops required per minute determines the number of drops which must be discharged per minute from each aperture. Presuming that the distributor roll is provided with ten recesses 45, the rotational speed of the distributor roll will be onetenth of the number of drops required per minute from each aperture. It has been found that an aperture one-eighth of an inch in diameter is suitable for water soluble paint and, since this will be the diameter of the discharged drop, its length will be approximately three-tenths of an inch to produce a drop containing one minim of fluid. Therefore, the pressure on the fluid at the apertures is determined as being that pressure which will efifect a discharge of a drop of this size through an aperture in the brief interval during which the aperture is open. The amount of pressure required under the relationship above set forth cannot be stated with any degree of accuracy, since it will vary with changes in temperature. atmospheric conditions, and the like, but the amount of pressure will be roughly in the range 'of from three to five pounds per square inch. By observance of the operation of the mechanism, exactly the proper pressure may be obtained by slight adjustments of the pressure reduction valve 58. Likewise, the rapidity of distribution may be conveniently advanced or re tarded by varying the speed of the distributor roll. The other factors, once having been determined, require no adjustment.

There may be conditions in which it will be desirable to distribute the fluid material with the same high degree of accuracy and uniformity of II meaurement and distribution but in the form of particles so finely divided as to be incapable of meaurement. For instance, certain types of coal are in quite small lumps and it may be desirable to apply color to a larger percentage of the lumps than would be possible by applying measured drops directly thereto. The accuracy of the apparatus which has been described may be main,- tainer and the fluid distributed with the same uniformity by breaking the drops discharged from the tube l2 into particles of a required size and then discharging such particles against the material to be treated. In the present instance, as shown in Figs. 2 and 5, this end is accomplished by suitably supporting, as from the ex tensions I5 of the brackets l3, l3, a pipe 80 below the tube I2 and at one side of the line or lines of discharge apertures l6. Air under pressure from a suitable source (not shown) is upplied to the pipe through a communicating line BI and the pipe has a line of ports 82 directed generally horizontally toward the path of the drops falling from the tube. The ports are so spaced as to produce substantially a horizontal fan of air into which the drops must fall. Immediately beneath the plane of the fan blast and in the path of the drops is a generally horizontal plate 83 providin in effect a splash plate for such material as may not be immediately reduced to particle form and blown away by the blast. A shield 84 may be placed above the ports to confine the air blast to its desired fan shape. In this arrangement, the air pressure employed will determine the extent to which the drops are reduced in size and, sincethe particles are discharged laterally, the material to be treated should be conveyed across the path of the particle laden blast. This may be accomplished by an inclined conveyer or by discharging the blast into the material as it falls from the end of a conveyer. Since the quantity of fluid per unit of time is accurately controlled, it is possible in this manner to discharge particles with much greater accuracy and uniformity than would otherwise be possible, as, for example, with a conventional air gun.

Under some circumstances, it may be desirable to drive the shaft 23 intermittently instead of continuously. To this end, such means as an intermittent ratchet drive mechanism, as shown in Figs. 4 and 6, may be used in place of a drive through a speed reduction gearing. In the modifled form of drive, all parts of the distributor mechanism to, but not inclusive of, the flanged collar 28, remain unchanged. As shown in Fig. 4,

the flanged collar 28 has been replaced by a ratchet 69 keyed,'as at 10, to the shaft 23. Each end of the hub of the ratchet is of reduced diameter, as at H, and is finished to provide a bearing for a pawl arm 12. The pawl arms extend diametrically of the ratchet oppositely beyond the periphery thereof and are connected at their opposite ends by transverse bolts 13, 14. One of the bolts, in this instance the upper bolt 13, pivotally supports a pawl 15 (Fig. 6) between the arms 12, while the other bolt 14 is loosely connected with the end of an arm 16 having a connection with a crank (not shown) or other source of reciprocatory movement. The pawl cooperates with a series of teeth H on th ratchet and the parts are related so that the distributor roll will be advanced a predetermined distance, depending on the characteristics of the distributor roll.

From the foregoing, it will be evident that the i l l i present invention provides a novel means for distributing fluid expeditiously over a relatively moving surface with a high degree of accuracy. The apparatus is simple in construction and may be easily maintained in operative condition, may be quickly adjusted and placed in operation, and may be changed from one operative flow system to another without difficulty. Should it be necessary to disassemble the apparatus for inspection or repair, it is only necessary to remove the hand wheel 35 and the left-hand bearing l! to expose the left-hand sleeve 38 of the distributor roll assembly, which, being mounted loosely on the shaft 23, may be readily withdrawn from the tube l2. To facilitate this withdrawal operation, tapped bores 78 (Fig. 2) in the outer side of the sleeve 38 may be provided to receive headed screws for engagement by a pulling implement. According to the present invention, the quantity of material in the drops of discharged fluid may be determined and maintained by control of the pressure on the fluid in the tube l2. The quantity of fluid in the discharged drops will be uniform and the number of drops delivered by the apparatus per unit of time may be accurately determined and maintained uniform by controlling the driven speed of the distributor roll.

I claim as my invention:

1. Apparatus for distributing fluid in accurately measured quantities having, in combination a hollow cylindrical member adapted to be supported near its ends in a fixed position relative to mechanism with which the apparatus is assoelated, said member having a plurality of apertures therein, a roll within said tubular member mounted to run in contact therewith along and in sealing relation to that portion thereof having said apertures therein, a plurality of fluid passages in said roll successively movable therewith into communication with said apertures, a roll supporting shaft, bearings for said shaft including means closing the ends of said member and adjustable relative thereto, means for driving said shaft, means connecting said roll and shaft, and means for delivering fluid to said member, said roll being of less diameter than the internal diameter of said member to provide a clearance between said roll and member through which fluid admitted to said member may flow to said passages for discharge through said apertures when said passages are in communication therewith.

2. Apparatus for distributing fluid in accurately measured quantities having, in combination, a hollow cylindrical member having a plurality of apertures therein, a .roll within said member mounted to run in contact therewith in opposition to said apertures, a driven shaft supporting said roll, a driving connection between said roll and Ill) shaft disengageable by relative axial movement, means for sealing the opposite ends of said member, the sealing means at one end being detachable to provide access to the roll and permit removal thereof, said roll having a plurality of fluid passages therein successively movable into communication with said apertures as the roll rotates. and a fluid system for discharging fluid through said apertures when said passages are in communication therewith.

3. Apparatus for distributing fluid in accurately measured quantities having, in combination, a tubular member having a longitudinally extending series of apertures therein, means for locating said tubular member in operative relation to a supporting structure for material to be treated and with the apertures directed toward the material, a fluid supply system connected with said tubular member, a driven roll mounted in said member in closing relation to said apertures, means for adjusting the position of said roll with respect to said tubular member, said roll having peripheral grooves therein movable successively into position to open said aperturessubstantially simultaneously, said grooves being arranged to conduct fluid to said apertures, and means for maintaining constant a predetermined pressure on the fluid at the apertures.

4. Apparatus for distributing fluid in ac curately measured quantities having, in combination, a tubular member having a plurality oi. apertures therein extending in longitudinal series, a roll of less diameter than the internal diameter of said member mounted eccentrically in said member in closing relation to said apertures, said roll having a plurality of longitudinally extending grooves spaced equldistantly about the periphery thereof for successive movement into registration with said apertures, means for rotating said roll at a predetermined rate of speed, and means for supplying fluid at a predetermined pressure to said tubular member for intermittent delivery to said amrtures through said grooves.

5. Apparatus for distributing fluid in accurately measured quantities having, in combination, a, tubular member provided with a plurality of apertures alined longitudinally of said member, a fluid system for delivering fluid to said tubular member, a roll mounted in said member in closing relation to said apertures and having a number of circumferentially spaced peripheral grooves movable successively into registry with said apertures, means for driving said roll at a constant rate, said grooves being conduits for conveying fluid to said apertures, and means for maintaining a constant pressure on the fluid at the apertures.

LUCIEN I. YEOMANS. 

